Cambodia

Despite the 10 September agreement in Koh Kong to reduce tensions, the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border remains unsettled. Bangkok is considering applying economic pressure, while mutual accusations continue over online scam centres favoured by Cambodia, which seeks to minimise the consequences of the armed conflict that broke out on 24 July. A recent media investigation found that at least 50 Cambodian soldiers were killed in the fighting.

The ASEAN-brokered ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appears to be holding despite Thai military reports of fresh Cambodian violations. More than 300,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. US tariffs on both countries and the political crisis in Bangkok hover in the background. The Constitutional Court's ruling on suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is expected on 4 August, with the potential of changing the balance of power between the civilian government and the military establishment.

The announcement was made in Malaysia, where Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar read a statement in the presence of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. A new cross-border committee meeting is set for 4 August to consolidate the agreement. Archbishop Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok warns against exploiting “historical complexities” to “incite nationalist sentiment and divert public attention from domestic issues”.

In a message on behalf of the small Catholic community in Cambodia regarding the ongoing fighting with Thailand, Monsignor Olivier Schmitthaeusler calls for respect for international law and invites all parishes to pray that the leaders will find a “friendly, sustainable, and just” solution. Cross accusations continue between the two countries, while missiles have also rained down on Laos. Over 30 people have been killed and 200,000 displaced.

The Malaysian prime minister talks about a ceasefire, but the two sides continue to accuse each other as the death toll and the number of displaced mount. The border drawn by the French in 1907 and the subsequent fate of the temples of Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom provide an easy pretext for nationalism, which serves to cover up other tensions on both sides. But the disputed area has also been a crossroads of criminal activity for 50 years.

Cambodia accuses Thailand of opening fire. The territorial dispute once again involves the area around the Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear temples. Since late May, tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have increased, both of which are also grappling with domestic issues. China has offered to mediate.

Three Thai soldiers were injured while patrolling the border with Cambodia. Bangkok accuses Phnom Penh of planting new anti-personnel mines, in violation of the Ottawa Convention, while the Cambodian government claims the device that exploded is from the Vietnam War era. The incident highlights the renewed interest in these devices. Despite years of efforts and thousands of civilian casualties, Cambodia has postponed until 2030 its goal of becoming mine-free, a situation made worse by cuts in US cooperation funding.

As border posts along the 800-kilometre border remain effectively closed, Cambodia announced the introduction of compulsory military service in 2026. The domestic situation in the two countries is fuelling the dispute, as both face strong nationalist headwinds and militaries with extensive interests and power. Thailand’s highest court announced that it will rule on Thaksin Shinawatra on 22 August.

A bill has been tabled in parliament and will be debated on 11 July. Its approval is a foregone conclusion in a context where all dissent has been silenced. Prime Minister Hun Manet cites “134 countries around the world that have similar laws”. Concern for people detained for crimes of opinion and opposition party leaders living in exile.

The new coadjutor apostolic vicar of the Cambodian capital, appointed yesterday by Pope Leo, tells AsiaNews about the challenges facing the tiny local Church reborn after the persecution of the Khmer Rouge, who fifty years ago also killed Msgr. Samar, the only local bishop before him. The legacy of the martyrs, inculturation, encounter with Buddhists, but also individualism brought about by the spread of digital devices are among the pastoral priorities.

The second-largest party in the ruling coalition is ready to quit the Pheu Thai-led government. The crisis was triggered by an audio between Prime Minister Paetongtarn and a former Cambodian prime minister, in which they discussed the recent border clash. Various scenarios are now possible in the country, from new alliances to military intervention.

Political tensions between the two countries have not eased after a border skirmish on 25 May, while Thailand rejects external “interference” in the border issue. This crisis is intertwined with a court ruling expected on 13 June regarding former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was linked in the past by friendship and business to Cambodia’s ruling Hun clan. Meanwhile, Thailand remains caught in never-ending tensions between civilian and military leaders.